Forts News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Congratulations to Der Benzinpreisvergleicher, winner of Season 36. Taking second for the second consecutive season is Julian. And in third in successive seasons is Kriegeule. While the top 3 places receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze, every eligible player finishing within the top 20 will receive a Season 36 Medal. Congratulations to all medalists as well![/p][p] [/p][hr][/hr][h2]1v1 Leaderboard[/h2]

1. [p]\[BOG]#Der Benzinpreisvergleicher[/p]
2. [p]Julian [/p]
3. [p]\[BOG]#Kriegeule #Salzierteeule[/p]
4. [p]I am myself[/p]
5. [p]InfinityPower[/p]
6. [p]Tyler Durden[/p]
7. [p]Nils[/p]
8. [p]klaualles[/p]
9. [p]Куртизанка[/p]
10. [p]Ryabzyk[/p]
11. [p]Александр[/p]
12. [p]BrucePixar[/p]
13. [p]Tar[/p]
14. [p]barabulka[/p]
15. [p]Tox[/p]
16. [p]Hopser[/p]
17. [p]Domy[/p]
18. [p]ts[/p]
19. [p]ニャミ•キメラ[/p]
20. [p]Armordillo[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]
[/p][h3]Ranked Statistics[/h3][p]- A dramatic shift in ranked demographics unfolded following Steam's Summer sale, with Russia overtaking Germany with the most active participants.[/p][p]- More balance patches, more commander shakeups![/p][p]- Overdrive, Shockenaugh, and Moonshine had the largest gains, going from 1% to 6.4%, 10.5% to 15.6%, and 2.5% to 5.1% respectively.[/p][p]- Spook, Hurricane, and Firebird dropped the most, 18.3% to 10.5%, 9.7% to 7.7%, and 6.8% to 4.9% respectively.[/p][p]- Shockenaugh's winrate increased over last season, buoyed by the addition of Balls, but weighed down by unsuccessful swings.[/p][p]Commanders listed in order of popularity. Winrate percentages shown on the Y scale, and below each commander
[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Season 37[/h2][p]Season 37 is already underway and will run through September 30th. This season's map pool consists of the following battlefields: [/p]

• [p] Crevice[/p]
• [p] Elephants[/p]
• [p] Hang Time[/p]
• [p] Hillfort[/p]
• [p] Pillars[/p]
• [p] Vanilla[/p]

[hr][/hr][h2]Join Our Discord![/h2][p]
If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Here's another big update to brighten your day.[/p][p][/p][h2]Anti-Air and Weapons Balance[/h2][p]Game balance has been tuned in a few areas. We've taken on the mixed feedback from the last update around the balance of anti-air. Machine guns are now more prone to overheating, but mortars are slightly easier to shoot down. The overall effect is that mortars are more viable and anti-air receives a slight nerf in general. Rockets and Plasma Lasers get a firing cost reduction, while Cannons receive an increase.[/p][p][/p][h2]Phantom's Transfer Pad[/h2][p]Phantom has a new material: the Transfer Pad. When you build these, your allies can move devices to them during the active. If they move storage devices you will also receive resources in proportion to their resource balance. Devices are also moved faster during active. This will allow some interesting new strategies for well coordinated teams.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Work together with your allies using Phantom's Transfer Pad.[/p][p][/p][h2]Commander Balance[/h2][p]Other commanders have also been touched. Overdrive's active duration has been reduced by 29%, which should curb his extravagant lifestyle. Pinchfist's metal reclaim when not active has been reduced to 75%, but his 5% better collectors have returned. Warthog's Rockets gain the extra splash damage and radius other projectiles enjoy. Spook is unable to see Phantom's initial charge.[/p][p][/p][h2]Device Movement Modding[/h2][p]Making a material capable of accepting moveable devices from allies is as simple as setting 'TransferPlatform' to true on a material. For Phantom this is only applied when active.[/p][p]To coincide with this new movement tech, modders can expand the use of device movement and balance it per device. Each device can have its own movement cost and technology requirement, including separate values for transfers to allies. These can even be based on distance or any other factor by implementing a function in the device script. Generosity when gifting storage devices can also be adjusted.[/p][p][/p][h2]Powerful Script Functions[/h2][p]This update introduces several eagerly awaited functions for modders. Firstly, GetDeviceListValue can be used to query device configuration from device_list.lua, weapon_list.lua, and ammo_list.lua.[/p][p]Next, SetScriptValue and GetScriptValue are able to send and receive data to and from other scripts easily. These operate much like the recently added GetDeviceValue and similar functions.[/p][p]Finally, CallScript better supports inter-mod separation of functionality. It allows you to execute a function in another script, passing a table of parameters, and have the return value assigned to a variable.[/p][p]A handy function, LogValue, has been added to help you debug the use of these functions. It can write out any Lua values, including tables, formatted as valid Lua script.[/p][p][/p][h2]Replay Screenshots[/h2][p]When you've got a long list of replays, it can be hard to find one in particular. Now the game can take a screenshot every minute and embed it into the replay. If a replay has these they will show instead of the generic map screenshots when previewing the replay.[/p][p]You can enable it in the Options -> Game menu (it's off by default). Keep in mind it will increase replay file sizes and may slow down navigation in the replay selection screen.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Quickly find the replay you're looking for.[/p][p][/p][h2]Spread Indicator[/h2][p]If you're having trouble aiming the Shotgun and Smoke Bomb, this may help. When aiming these there is a new arc shown indicating the extents of the projectiles produced. It also applies to Scattershot's 20mm Cannon during active.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Receive feedback on the projectile spread of some weapons.[/p][p][/p][h2]Map Balance[/h2][p]Fair environments are important in a competitive game, so we've taken a scalpel to a long list of maps. Of particular note is that in Balls it's now impossible to build on the terrain of the opposite side.[/p][p][/p][h2]Other Notes[/h2][p]Work continues in the background on ranked arbitration. We hope to have this rolled out, along with some other exciting improvements, in the next update.[/p][p]We're aware of connectivity issues some players experience since the move to Steam Networking Sockets. It's under investigation.[/p][p][/p][h2]Change List 1.33.0 r19606[/h2][p][/p][p]Add: (GetDeviceListValue) Script function to query item values in device_list.lua, weapon_list.lua and ammo_list.lua[/p][p]Add: Commander language mods can appended strings to the Materials table[/p][p]Add: Frame limiting system[/p][p]Add: GetScriptValue, SetScriptValue and CallScript script functions[/p][p]Add: LogValue and ValueToLua to scripts/core_utility.lua to output tables as valid Lua strings[/p][p]Add: MoveCostMetal/ToAlly and MoveCostEnergy/ToAlly device config functions to specify move cost, parameters: deviceId, sourcePos, destPos, nodeIdA, nodeIdB, platformT[/p][p]Add: Projectiles can set AntiAirClaims to adjust their estimated ability to shoot down enemy targets[/p][p]Add: Record screenshots to replay[/p][p]Add: Spread indicator to smoke launcher and shotgun aim[/p][p]Add: Technology can be required to move devices using PrerequisiteMove and PrerequisiteMoveToAlly in *_list.lua[/p][p]Add: TransferGiftsResourcesFactor rule for Phantom's TransferPad (defaults to 1)[/p][p]Add: TransformPlatform material property for allies to gift devices[/p][p][/p][p]Balance: (Cannon) Increase fire cost from 3000 to 3500 energy (+17%)[/p][p]Balance: (EMP rocket) Increase AA claims at less than 1.2s from 3 to 4[/p][p]Balance: (Flak) Makes 2 claims on incoming projectiles to save allocating gunners[/p][p]Balance: (Hurricane active) Incendiary Mortar and Heavy Mortar reload speed boost reduced from 100% to 50%[/p][p]Balance: (Hurricane) Machineguns overheat after three bursts[/p][p]Balance: (Incendiary and Heavy mortar) Increase shootdown radius from 15 to 20 (+33%)[/p][p]Balance: (Machinegun) Decrease heat period from 1.8 to 1.5 (-17%)[/p][p]Balance: (Machinegun) Increase overheat cool period from 7.5 to 11s (+47%)[/p][p]Balance: (Moonshine) Increased GaugeDamageHitpoints from 1500 to 3150 (+110%)[/p][p]Balance: (Overdrive) Reduce active duration from 14s to 10s (-29%)[/p][p]Balance: (Phantom active) Time to move a device is reduced from 2 to 1 seconds (-50%)[/p][p]Balance: (Pinchfist) Reduce metal reclaim during passive from 100% to 75%[/p][p]Balance: (Pinchfist) Reintroduce 5% eco boost to compensate for reduced metal reclaim during passive[/p][p]Balance: (Plasma Laser) Decrease fire cost from 5000 to 4500 energy (-10%)[/p][p]Balance: (Rocket) Reduce energy fire cost from 1200 to 1000 (-17%)[/p][p]Balance: (Shield) Sniper projectiles reflect off shields perfectly at moderately shallow angles[/p][p]Balance: (Warthog active) Rockets gain the 25% damage/splash radius bonus[/p][p][/p][p]Fix: (Battlegrounds) Block 39, 11 + Left lower expansion has extra terrain in front of it[/p][p]Fix: (Elephants) Blocks 2, 0 more space for lower AA expansion, left side can swing into cave.[/p][p]Fix: (Forts Falls) Asymmetrical + add no build zones to water[/p][p]Fix: (Fracked) Blocks 45, 15 prevents lower turbines, lowers the amount of propellers you can build, couple other blocks slightly block building[/p][p]Fix: (Hangtime) Slightly asymmetrical[/p][p]Fix: (Hellmouth 3v3) Every non team owned block[/p][p]Fix: (Hillboat, Hillfort) Offset on the central block allows for downwards shots to hit more easily on one side vs the other[/p][p]Fix: (Italian) High Seas campaign translation contains slang profanity[/p][p]Fix: (No Obstacle) Player is able to build foundations on inappropriate terrain[/p][p]Fix: (Outstretch) Terrain close to base can block[/p][p]Fix: (Overdrive) Focussed 2-barrel Deck Gun receives upgrade boost[/p][p]Fix: (Penguins) Terrain close to base can block[/p][p]Fix: (Phantom) The effects of the extended Magnabeam are cut short[/p][p]Fix: (Pillars) Blocks 4, 2 blocks lower AA/mortars[/p][p]Fix: (Spook) Enemy charge meter is not restored after joining until it changes[/p][p]Fix: (Stalactites 4v4) Terrain asymmetry behind rear forts[/p][p]Fix: (Vanilla Large) Lower base blocks are slightly different, not too impactful[/p][p]Fix: (Vanilla) Blocks 7, 0 right in front of the base, blocks AA, especially with the meta having structure so close this does matter[/p][p]Fix: (Wingman 4v4) Two blocks in front of the bases are different, slight issue for AA[/p][p]Fix: (Wingman MS) Blocks 12, 10 top right expansion is easier to build forward on[/p][p]Fix: (Wingman) Two blocks in front of the bases are different, slight issue for AA[/p][p]Fix: (Ziggurat) Blocks 11, 6 starting base gets significantly fewer turbines, + all the other blocks are not perfectly symmetrical[/p][p]Fix: Adding 'team' to profanity filter allows you to see enemy team chat[/p][p]Fix: Assistant button tool tips appear when panel is not visible[/p][p]Fix: Changing Vsync in options doesn't always update the actual setting[/p][p]Fix: Crash in AllocateFortsToPlayers[/p][p]Fix: Crash when an invalid teamId is passed to script functions[/p][p]Fix: Device reclaim value and other stats do not respond to commander state[/p][p]Fix: Heating is reset when moving weapons with Phantom[/p][p]Fix: Logging functions incorrectly handle strings with new lines[/p][p]Fix: Parts of the structure are drawn at the previous graphical position, causing a noticeable separation at speed[/p][p]Fix: Players appear connected when they disconnect while downloading Workshop items[/p][p]Fix: Quick Battle win music starts then stops when it should duck[/p][p]Fix: Rich presence keeps attempting sign in if player has no internet connection[/p][p]Fix: Structure claimed by barrels appear over mines.[/p][p]Fix: Unable to convert bracing to back bracing at near zero energy in spite of it being no cost[/p][p]Fix: When an upgraded weapon is moved, its upgrade source is selected to build[/p][p]Fix: Wide strings cause memory leaks in Lua script states[/p][p][/p][p]Improve: (Balls) Prevent occupation of enemy terrain[/p][p]Improve: (Code of Conduct) Include copyright to line about offensive Workshop material, and specify that a ban will be issued[/p][p]Improve: (Spook) Don't see Phantom's true commander charge until first activation[/p][p]Improve: (Vanilla 3v3) Display name is translated[/p][p]Improve: Assistant button needs to be held to show panel[/p][p]Improve: Error reporting for GetProjectileValue, GetAmmoValue, GetDeviceValue, and GetMaterialValue[/p][p]Improve: Game invites from Discord Rich Presence work in submenus and matches[/p][p]Improve: Lobbies are sorted by ping[/p][p]Improve: Projectiles can have their FadeDuration customised (defaults to 0.2)[/p][p]Improve: Rename Vanilla Large MS to Vanilla 2v2 MS[/p][p]Improve: Rename Vanilla Large to Vanilla 2v2[/p][p]Improve: Rich presence pop up only appears if player has discord running[/p][p]Improve: RicochetFade values can be customised per projectile-material collision via Effect.Deflect entries, allowing projectiles to live long after reflections, defaulting to RicochetFade in db/constants.lua[/p][p]Improve: Russian translation (thanks knestor)[/p][p]Improve: Show active duration in commander description[/p][p]Improve: The fort selection button in the lobby has a tooltip[/p][p][/p][h2]Change List 1.33.1 r19616[/h2][p][/p][p]Fix: (Phantom) Transfer Pad can't accept large devices such as the Hardpoint[/p][p]Fix: (Phantom) Transfer Pad takes little damage from Buzzsaw[/p][p]Fix: (Shockenaugh active) Firebeam fire cost is not reduced to match the regular Plasma Laser[/p][p]Fix: Crash when upgrading a device as a client[/p][p]Fix: Vanilla 2v2 MS is missing[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2][p][/p][p]If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.[/p][p][/p][p]Cheers,[/p][p]EWG[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]After the great success of the latest meme tournament, it is time for a more competitive event, and no format could be better than a straight 1v1 single elimination tournament![/p][p]Tournament 31 is the first one quitting the roman numerals standard, and will be held on August 30th at 7PM UTC. Up to 16 players may register, with first two rounds being Best of 1, Semifinals, Bronze match and Finals being Best of 3, with a 15 minute time limit for all rounds.[/p][p] [/p][p]Registration will open at 7pm UTC on the 9th of August. In order to register, every participant should ping 42scientist on the Forts Official Discord server with their challengermode profile link, steam profile link, and then be invited on Challengermode.

Hosts:
Project Incursus Salzwerk La cantine [/p][hr][/hr][p]On to the details.


When will Registration open? [/p][p]August 9th 2025 at [/p][p]12pm PDT (West Coast USA) [/p][p]3pm EDT (East Coast USA) [/p][p]8pm GMT (London) [/p][p]9pm CEST (France, Germany) [/p][p]5am August 10th AEST (Brisbane Australia) [/p][p]Entries submitted before this time will not be accepted. Once registration has opened the first 16 players to submit a valid entry will be admitted. Valid entries must fulfill the requirements listed below under How do I join?


How will players be seeded?

Seedings will be based on past results in official events and ranked seasons.


Prizes? [/p][p]The prize pool is as follows: [/p][p]1st place $50 [/p][p]2nd place $25 [/p][p]3rd place $10 [/p][p]Prizes will only be awarded in the form of Steam digital gift cards. To be eligible for prizes, participants must be able to receive Steam gift cards from outside regions. Winners may designate another eligible player to receive their prize.[/p][p]If you have any additional questions please contact us on Discord. [/p][hr][/hr][h2]How do I join?[/h2][p]
In order to participate, you must do the following... [/p][p]Join the Official FORTS Discord [/p][p]Your names on Discord, Steam and Challengermode must match [/p][p]Inappropriate competitor names will not be accepted [/p][p]Send a message on Discord to 42scientist with your CM profile and Steam profile[/p][p]Registration will not open until August 9th at 7pm UTC [/p][p]Maximum of 16 players[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Tournament 31 starts August 30th, 2025 at... [/p][p]12am PDT (West Coast USA) [/p][p]3pm EDT (East Coast USA) [/p][p]8pm GMT (London) [/p][p]9pm CEST (France, Germany) [/p][p]5am 31st of August AEST (Brisbane Australia) [/p][p][/p][p]
The FORTS Tournament lobby
The Official FORTS Discord
Challengermode Bracket
[/p][p][/p][p]1v1 Team Death Match [/p][p]Single elimination [/p][p]15 minute time limit [/p][p]Moonshot enabled [/p][p]Tons of Guns enabled [/p][p]Repair Station enabled[/p][p]Portals enabled [/p][p]Commanders enabled [/p][p]Draws decided by core damage inflicted (total damage if core health is equal) [/p][p]Maximum of 16 players[/p][p]Check-in on Discord starts 1 hour before tournament [/p][p]Late or absent players forfeit their matches [/p][p]Use of exploits or bugs for self-charging or any other purpose is strictly forbidden. [/p][p]Earthwork Games reserves the right to make changes to this event as needed [/p][p][/p][p]Project Incursus Salzwerk La cantine [/p]

• [p]Battlegrounds[/p]
• [p]Crevice[/p]
• [p]Desert Ruins[/p]
• [p]Hang Time[/p]
• [p]Ledge Grab[/p]
• [p]Moorings[/p]
• [p]Stalactites[/p]
• [p]Vanilla
  [/p]

[p]Cheers, EWG[/p]

[p]
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Congratulations to butterdog for getting to first place on the meme tournament![/p][p][/p][p]After winning tirelessly through his first couple matches due to unfortunate developments from his opponents having to resign, butterdog beat his opponents spaghetsie on the legendary map Battleships Non Tanya, and Alexander (Александр) in a wild 3 round match, using various magnabeam strategies as well as Tier 3 cannons.[/p][p]By virtue of getting to 1st place, butterdog wins $50 in steam cards.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]butterdog and spaghetsie fighting in the shade[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Closely following butterdog, and even winning one round against him during the finals, Alexander won most of his matches using small 2-laser Concentratinators. Unfortunately for him, it was not enough to get to first place.[/p][p]With his 2nd place, Alexander secures himself $25 in steam cards. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Alexander and Junyu in an intense photonic exchange[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]3rd on the bracket, Doriepixar, proud member of the pixar team, used some of the wildest strats of the podium, including but not limited to the now famous "flak attack", which while visually captivating, failed to deliver much damage at all, but still enough to get him a win. The bronze match was also a highlight, with Dorie literally swarming his opponent spaghetsie, who unfortunately failed to claim his lower ball for several minutes by swinging barrels.[/p][p]Doriepixar therefore wins $10 in steam cards. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Doriepixar giving Dranistian all the flak[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]In addition to the already mentioned meme strategies, there were insane attempts from all players involved to show the best spectacle ever seen in an official tournament. While the list would be too long to enumerate, two players have been the most prolific in wicked strategies:[/p][p]Nemopixar, another member of the pixar team, specialized on laser technology, using phantom magnabeams as main source of damage, as well as a redirect tier 3 laser, acting as a periscope.[/p][p][/p][p]Nemopixar's laser periscope peeking up[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Pile Rouillée, who is recently known for his core slingshot contraption, graced our eyes of a magnabeam redirected howitzer for his match against Nemopixar. He did not in fact end up winning this one, but if he did, he would have demonstrated the newest of his slingshots on Skylands.[/p][p][/p][p]Pile doesn't just bend bullets, but howitzer shells as well[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And what Pile could have done on Skylands[/p][p]Pile has been voted by admins to be the best memer, and to be awarded $20 in steam gift cards.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]1st Place - $50[/h3][p]Butterdog[/p][p][/p][h3]2nd Place - $25[/h3][p]Alexander[/p][p][/p][h3]3rd Place - $10[/h3][p]Doriepixar[/p][p][/p][h3]Best meme award - $20[/h3][p]PileRouillée for his magnabeam howitzer[/p][p]
*Winners have been contacted and prizes will be issued as Steam Digital Gift cards via Steam friends upon expiration of Steam's 3-day friend waiting period.

[/p][h2]Challonge Bracket[/h2][p]
Check it out here!

[/p][h2]Replays & VODs[/h2][p]As always, thanks to our hosts and casters, Salzwerk, Project Incursus, PileRouillée & Nikita.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]

[/p][h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2][p]
If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.


Cheers,
EWG[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Congratulations to first time champion buttedog aim, winner of Season 35, and more than living up to their illustrious name. Taking second for the first time is Julian. And in third is FPL S5 winner Kriegeule. While the top 3 places receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze, every eligible player finishing within the top 20 will receive a Season 35 Medal. Congratulations to all medalists as well![/p][p] [/p][hr][/hr][h2]1v1 Leaderboard[/h2]

1. [p]buttedog aim [/p]
2. [p]Julian [/p]
3. [p]Kriegeule [/p]
4. [p]klaualles [/p]
5. [p]Poolboy [/p]
6. [p]Forts > University [/p]
7. [p]Domy [/p]
8. [p]Александр[/p]
9. [p]Ryabzyk [/p]
10. [p]no tox [/p]
11. [p]Nils [/p]
12. [p]rehcielgrevsierpnizenB reD [/p]
13. [p]Cloud [/p]
14. [p]ZXCCURSED [/p]
15. [p]Schuka [/p]
16. [p]Infinity Power [/p]
17. [p]Nanuuki [/p]
18. [p]Tar [/p]
19. [p]Ems [/p]
20. [p]Y-Roux[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]
[/p][h3]Ranked Statistics[/h3][p]- Commander shakeup! Balance patches definitely had an effect on people's preferences.[/p][p]- Buster and Spook were the biggest beneficiaries, going from pick rates of 6.1% to 11% and 14.2% to 18.3% respectively[/p][p]- Firebird saw the most falloff, 14.3% to 6.8%, followed by Shockenaugh, 5.9% to 1%, though likely more reflective of Balls dropping from the S35 map pool. Balls is back in S36 so we'll soon see[/p][p]- Shockenaugh experienced the greatest drop in winrate, falling from 51% to 41%,[/p][p]- Buster saw the greatest climb in winrate, going from 43% to 52%.[/p][p]Commanders listed in order of popularity. Winrate percentages shown on the Y scale, and below each commander
[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Season 36[/h2][p]Season 36 is already underway and will run through July 31st. This season's map pool consists of the following battlefields: [/p]

• [p] Balls [/p]
• [p] Battlegrounds 1v1 [/p]
• [p] Desert Ruins [/p]
• [p] Hang Time [/p]
• [p] Ledge Grab [/p]
• [p] Split [/p]

[hr][/hr][h2]Join Our Discord![/h2][p]
If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG[/p]